The pair - who have eight-year-old son Roman - announced they were separating last year after 11 years of marriage, and while divorce proceedings are now underway they plan to remain the ''best of friends''.

A representative for the 'Smash' actress said: ''Debra Messing and Daniel Zelman have agreed to amicably end their 10-year- marriage. In keeping with their mutual wishes, Ms. Messing filed the divorce papers earlier yesterday in Los Angeles. They remain the best of friends and fully committed to raising their son together.''

Debra is now dating her 'Smash' co-star Will Chase, and is believed to be seeking joint custody of her son and spousal and child support.

Discussing the breakdown of her marriage recently, Debra - who is best known for her role in 'Will & Grace' - said: ''Twenty years. It's a very long time. I think the institute of marriage is a noble thing. The idea of a partner for life is incredibly romantic. But now we're living to 100. A hundred years ago people were dying at age 37. Til death do us part was a much different deal.''